10:41 p.m. ET - Rep. Bachmann: "Instead of a leaner, smarter government, we bought a bureaucracy that tells us which light bulbs to buy, and which will put 16,500 IRS agents in charge of policing President Obama’s health care bill."

10:49 p.m. ET - Minnesota Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann is now delivering her own response to the president's address. Read the full remarks here.

10:46 p.m. ET - Rep. Bachmann, who is delivering her own response to the president's State of the Union address is running late because she was stuck in traffic. CNN Political Producer Shannon Travis was told she was "barely moving" in her car. She was at the Capitol for the address and will deliver her remarks from the National Press Club.

10:35 p.m. ET - Paul Begala summing up the president's address: He was plain-spoken, not professorial. He was specific, not airy-fairy. He was patriotic and positive and practical.

10:34 p.m. ET - CNN National Political Correspondent Jessica Yellin: Talked to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who said spending freeze is not enough. Senators Tim Scott, Alan West and Jeff Sessions said the same. They like idea of corporate tax reform. Senators Klobuchar and Sessions were dates and said they had a good time together and it felt better than sitting along party lines.

10:33 p.m. ET - Rep. Ryan: "Speaking candidly, as one citizen to another: We still have time… but not much time. If we continue down our current path, we know what our future will be. Just take a look at what’s happening to Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom and other nations in Europe. They didn’t act soon enough; and now their governments have been forced to impose painful austerity measures: large benefit cuts to seniors and huge tax increases on everybody. Their day of reckoning has arrived. Ours is around the corner. That is why we must act now."

10:32 p.m. ET - Rep. Ryan: "It’s no coincidence that trust in government is at an all-time low now that the size of government is at an all-time high... The President and the Democratic Leadership have shown, by their actions, that they believe government needs to increase its size and its reach, its price tag and its power. Whether sold as “stimulus” or repackaged as “investment,” their actions show they want a federal government that controls too much; taxes too much; and spends too much in order to do too much."

10:18 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: Republican Jean Schmidt, no Obama fan politically, kept him for a while on way out getting his autograph10: 17 p.m. ET - Ruben Navarrette Jr: The best line: "That dream is why I can stand here before you tonight. That dream is why a working class kid from Scranton can stand behind me. That dream is why someone who began by sweeping the floors of his father's Cincinnati bar can preside as Speaker of the House in the greatest nation on Earth."

What a great line, and a wonderful tribute to a magnificent country. On that point, there is unanimity. Nice job, Mr. President.

10:15 p.m. ET - Candy Crowley: "....the state of our union is strong. ". And so it ends

10:15 p.m. ET - Julian E. Zelizer, a regular columnist for CNN.com and professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, provided this analysis of the speech: With the State of the Union Address, President Obama has attempted to shift the conversation away from the economic recession and toward economic revitalization. The aim of his message is a call to arms to join in a bipartisan project to improve the competitive position of the nation through innovation and smart investment.

10:15 p.m. - @ROLANDSMARTIN: Interesting. No mention of the poor or even middle class in President Obama's SOTU speech

10:14 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: Supreme court justices, who don't applaud by tradition during speech, clapped hard at the end

10:12 p.m. ET - Candy Crowley: Best applause line yet " ...as contentious and frustrating and messy as our democracy can sometimes be, I know there isn't a person here who would trade places with any other nation on Earth." Big standing O

10:10 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: President just had to go there with the whole "someone who began by sweeping the floors of his father's Cincinnati bar" can become Speaker

10:07 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: President reveals next foreign trip will be in March, his first-ever trip to South America (Brazil, Chile) plus El Salvador too

10:07 p.m. ET - President Obama: "Our troops come from every corner of this country – they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all of our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and the ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It is time to move forward as one nation."

10:01 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: Odd moment when Obama said American Muslims are a part of American family, big applause except Sen. GOP leadership

10:00 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: It's feeling like there was less on "jobs" than expected

10:00 p.m. ET - Candy Crowley: One thing about the mixed seating arrangement...used to be lawmakers didn't really have to listen . They just jumped up and down with their side of the room. Now that they are scattered about, they have to listen to see how to react.

9:58 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: Just in: That's not ashtray in front of Boehner. I’m told it's an ink well holder. Historical item, dating back to 1819, according to aide

9:56 p.m. ET - President Obama jokes: We live and do business in the information age, but the last major reorganization of the government happened in the age of black and white TV. There are twelve different agencies that deal with exports. There are at least five different entities that deal with housing policy. Then there’s my favorite example: the Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they’re in fresh water, but the Commerce Department handles them in when they’re in saltwater. And I hear it gets even more complicated once they’re smoked.

@edhenrycnn: Obama smoked salmon joke gets laughs all around but in that way that you laugh at your uncle's joke at Thanksgiving

9:53 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: President says US can't afford "permanent" extension of tax cuts for the rich. That appeared to be a half-sigh from Boehner

9:52 p.m. ET - Candy Crowley: Aside from references to Tucson at the start, POTUS delivers most effective, succinct line so far re: health care "...instead of re-fighting the battles of the last two years,, let's fix what needs fixing and move forward."

9:48 p.m. ET - Obama calls for five year spending freeze. Last year Obama proposed a 3 year spending freeze on all discretionary spending except Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and national security. So he is adding a few years.

9:47 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: Key Obama moment on health care: "So instead of re-fighting the battles of the last two years, let's fix what needs fixing & move forward."

9:46 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: But President also offered slight olive branch by saying, "If you have ideas about how to improve this law ... I am eager to work w/you"

9:46 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: Ok that line was the first I saw to get jon kyl up – suggestion they change a h care law flaw that hurts small biz

9:46 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: We finally get a laugh from Boehner. Obama: "I've heard rumors that a few of you still have concerns about our new health care law"

9:45 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: Now there's a line that separates the bipartisan crowd – h care law

9:44 p.m. ET - Candy Crowley: POTUS connects with a wisecrack on pitch for high speed rail funding. "For some trips, it will be faster than flying- without the pat-down. " Now THAT'S feeling our pain.

9:43 p.m. ET - CNN.com columnist Ruben Navarrette Jr: Obama said, "Now, I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration. I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows."

A passing reference. Glad it was in there, but this is a complicated issue not suited to sound bites – or one paragraph in a 10,000-word speech. Obama has to convince his own party to stop thwarting immigration reform to please organized labor.

9:43 p.m. ET - President Obama said: “We signed agreements with India and China the will support more then 250,000 jobs in the United States.” Obama traveled to India and South Korea last November

President Obama: "Within 25 years, our goal is to give 80% of Americans access to high-speed rail, which could allow you go places in half the time it takes to travel by car. For some trips, it will be faster than flying – without the pat-downs. As we speak, routes in California and the Midwest are already underway."

9:40 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: Not sure if it's the seating change, or deliberate POTUS attempt to have less applause lines with less policy proposals, but crowd v subdued

9:28 p.m. ET - CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash:: Noticed Sen. Murkowski was not with Sen. Mikulski as planned. Turns out she was in the house chamber and just prior to the speech when she got word that her youngest son was scheduled for an appendectomy tonight, so she headed straight for GWU hospital.

9:25 p.m. ET - President Obama mentions the Allen brothers who are in the first lady’s box. They received $500,000 from the recovery act to start making solar shingles.
9:24 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: Obama: "we are the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of Edison & the Wright Bros; of Google & Facebook"

9:24 p.m. ET - President Obama: "This is our generation's Sputnik moment. Two years ago, I said that we needed to reach a level of research and development we haven't seen since the height of the Space Race. In a few weeks, I will be sending a budget to Congress that helps us meet that goal."

Paul Begala: Interesting: Pres. Obama's reference to this being our "Sputnik moment" did not draw any applause, even though it had been hyped in advance. But when he called for more investment in clean energy, he got hearty applause. People want specifics, and Pres. Obama is giving it to them. This is not a time for abstractions and distant analogies; it's a time for specifics. This is a very specific speech. The professorial types looking for a "visionary speech" won't like it, but I think the American people will love it.

9:23 p.m. ET - Candy Crowley: POTUS Walks that line, reaching out to those in pain because of struggling economy while reassuring people "future is ours to win."

9:22 p.m. ET -@edhenrycnn: interesting we're several mins into speech and have not heard one policy proposal, President is serious about not making this laundry list

9:17 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: They may be sitting together, but still clear when repubs reluctantly getting up 2 clap. Like on obama ? Can they "work together tomorrow"

9:16 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: President talking Tucson but will not mention gun control. But interesting Robert Gibbs suggested he may make speech on it later this year

9:16 p.m. ET - The parents of Christina Green, the nine year old killed in Tucson are in the first lady’s box, so is Dr Peter Rhee who took care of Rep Giffords. President Obama spoke of the Tucson shooting but no mention of gun control or mental health care.
9:15 p.m. ET - President Obama: "At stake right now is not who wins the next election – after all, we just had an election. At stake is whether new jobs and industries take root in this country, or somewhere else."

9:14 p.m. ET - President Obama: "What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow."

9:11 p.m. - President Obama acknowledges the seat left empty in honor of Rep. Giffords. He receives a standing ovation from the entire chamber.

8:59 p.m. ET - President Obama's cabinet secretaries are walking onto the House floor now, all of whom are wearing the ribbons to honor the victims of the Virginia shootings.

8:58 p.m. ET - First lady Michelle Obama just walked into her box above the House floor, wearing the ribbon to honor the victims of the Virginia shootings.

8:55 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: See kirsten gillibrand sitting with john thune on gop side. She told me she asked him bc she worked w/ him on 9/11 responders & other things

8:52 p.m. - House Speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden are announcing the names of the House and Senate members who will escort President Obama into the chamber.

8:51 p.m. ET - President's motorcade has arrived at the Capitol.

8:48 p.m. ET - CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash: Democratic Sen. Mark Udall, who came up with this idea, said he was keeping his GOP date a surprise. I see him with Jim DeMint. He promised it would be someone quite conservative. He was right.
8:47 p.m. - @JohnKingCNN: Potus in motorcade on way. #sotu always a big night, more so w/new DC balance of power.
8:46 p.m. ET- @DanaBashCNN: See repub jeff sessions and dem amy klobuchar walking down the aisle. She was joking abt getting flowers. Don't see any!

8:44 p.m. ET - President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama just left the White House to make their way to the Capitol.

8:36 p.m. ET - CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash: See lots of new members settling in and chatting with new colleagues. 96 new house members. 16 new senators. Boy are they getting a different experience.

8:32 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: See members of the bipartisan womens softball team sitting together (nevermind we reporters beat them in our game last year!)

8:30 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: Funny to see chris van hollen, dem who was in charge of elected dems in 2010, on the gop side. Sitting w/ marrieds connie mack and mary bono

8:29 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: My seat is above what is traditionally the house gop side of the chamber. Its now filled with democrats too. Mingling together.

8:27 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: I'm inside the house chamber – birds eye view of the sotu. Been in here many years. Vibe already so different

8:12 p.m. ET - @edhenrycnn: Missing Cabinet secretary tonight will be Interior Secretary Salazar – he will stay away from State of the Union in case of catastrophe.

7:34 p.m. ET - Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham will not be at the State of the Union address. He is returning from nine days of Air Force Reserve duty in Afghanistan.

6:39 p.m. ET - When approached by CNN Senior Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, who is delivering the GOP response Tuesday night, laughingly put his hands over his ears and said he's not allowed to talk to the media.

soundoff(198 Responses)

America must wake up- Heres whats obvious-1 Education Education Education! our society must be prepared to compete and innovate. 2-Americans must learn personal financial responsibility 3-Shut down the Mexican border.4-If we can find billions to lend/give to developing countries (and yes I realize we have our obligation to fill as a superpower) but common sense tells us that right now we need to keep some of those billions here and invest in our childrens education and future.4-Renewable energy could very well be our economic driving force if we play our cards right and invest time research and money.5-Demand accountability from congress,it is time for Americans of all political affiliations to band together and demand change. Our nation has endured many challenges in our history and each time we overcame those challenges,do we want to become the first generation to utterly fail? America must awaken that great spirit that endured through the revolution,the civil war,slavery,the great depression,the Vietnam war,and many ups and downs, but through each challenge we survived and our greatest days were always ahead of us. Can we get that spirit back? I think so.

January 25, 2011 10:13 pm at 10:13 pm |

paula

Some of the Power People shows an Attitude in their Facial expressions, like the man behind the President on his left in a Lavender necktie really doesn't need to be sitting behind the President for all to view his negatively looking attitude. You can pretty much tell the ones that doesn't support our President. President Obama, You are Our President, some are not going to support you encouragement to Unite All; they will work harder to make sure we don't Re Unite.

The president has missed his mark. R&D takes forever Re education takes forever. The party that understands the an American is never obsolete despite age, education, or background, will get my vote. An American is never obsolete we can use the factory worker now. I'm looking for the leader who is looking at the current system and uses it to usher in the innovation for the future. Sometimes the answer is right in front of you this president is always looking at the flaws and is constantly trying to fix.

Dear President mold the system stop trying to start over efficiency is the key to right now

January 25, 2011 10:15 pm at 10:15 pm |

Andy Margeson

I thought it was totally inappropriate that David Gergen trashed the speech before the President started giving it. It is obvious that he started with the answer.

where did that company get the backing to go to Chile to help the miners....

Not from the community banks in most neighorhoods now....

Sooooo disappointing....

January 25, 2011 10:16 pm at 10:16 pm |

Anonymous

A well layed out speech and a step in the right direction. It was good to see the baby steps of unity tonight. Lets hope that both parties can follow through and not fall back into the all to familiar fighting and bickering that does far more to devide than unite.

January 25, 2011 10:17 pm at 10:17 pm |

Tom

Great speech!! He presented himself as a man in the middle but with a strong stance. He will not waiver on some things but will on others.

I liked the speech – way to go Mr. President. Now all of Congress needs to work together.

January 25, 2011 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

W. W.

When are you guys going to get negative Gloria Berger off the air. He comments and negativity is sickening. He voices is whiny and she sees nothing good with any of the politics. Is that what you call a Senior Political Correspondent...

January 25, 2011 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

Steve

Great speech- what is wrong with the talking heads on CNN. The president hit a home run tonight.

January 25, 2011 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

tim

It takes a Brit to say what all Americans who love this country feels?
Yes!
I'm going to watch his new show now!

January 25, 2011 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

Nik Kripalani

I am shocked he didn't mention the Anti Gun Law. He forgot about the Gun shooting. I am glad though he mentioned Math, Science, solar and wind power. Education in all three fields.

Great campaign speech – I just wonder who the "leader" is who will preside over this- clearly not this guy.

I chuckle when he talks about transparency – coming from him it's very funny! We're going to be so transparent he had budgeted $25m for a website to tell us how transparent we are

January 25, 2011 10:25 pm at 10:25 pm |

Maria Palacios

it was an absolute inspirational speech!!!! it was a realistic, effective, and bi partisan speech.......hisi leadership is unique and frankly very few presidents have delivered such an inspirational message. CNN "experts" have to stos being so typical media critics.......they should be more in touch with "us" American who think that he is working hard and that he is one who has accomplished so much despite how he received our economy when he took over.......what an inspiration he is!!!!

January 25, 2011 10:25 pm at 10:25 pm |

David

The President had barely finished his speech, urging all Americans all to work together to solve the problems that the nation faces……and BOTH CNN and FOX immediately put on commentators who diss the speech, saying that he failed to address this or that problem, that it was uninspiring, etc etc etc.. I say that both of these networks are part of the problem, not part of the solution.

January 25, 2011 10:28 pm at 10:28 pm |

Michael Lunceford

Please stop blowing smoke in everyones face, Just do what needs to be done or start packing!

January 25, 2011 10:29 pm at 10:29 pm |

Stacy pack

I thank that if the presadent cared for people that is on s.s.i like I am he wouldent take our rases we cant aford to have our money taken away plesa give our yearly rases back

January 25, 2011 10:29 pm at 10:29 pm |

blue

He said the right stuff, but I'll believe it when I see it happen.

January 25, 2011 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |

riomarcos

Hear, hear! Great speech! Boehner ought to decide whether he is American or not, stop sighing like a jilted lover because his insurance company lobbyist check didn't arrive on time for him to buy a new mansion, and clap when POTUS talks about health insurance! Fantastic SOTU speech, finally a President that can deliver good legislation!